A Carnival of Flavour and Colour as Thailand Grand Festival Returns

One of the Territory’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, the Thailand Grand Festival, is set to kick off the dry season event calendar, bringing the best of Thailand’s vibrant culture to Darwin’s Civic Park on Saturday, 26 April.

The family-friendly festival celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year, and is proudly supported by our Event Funding Program.

This year’s theme, Lanna Maha Songkran, invites locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Northern Thailand through a jam-packed program presented by the Northern Territory Thai Association.

At the Thai Cultural Centre, guests can try their hand at traditional fruit carving and Thai cooking workshops. Festivalgoers can also join in the Paw Paw Salad Competition or test their limits in the signature chilli eating challenge. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with mouth-watering Thai street food, while kids and adults alike can dive into the fun of traditional water activities like tug-o-war.

The excitement continues with electrifying Muay Thai kickboxing matches, as local and interstate fighters compete for the prestigious Thailand Grand Cup, in partnership with the Man Ho Academy of Martial Arts.

A festival favourite, the Thailand Grand Parade, will once again dazzle the crowd with vibrant music, traditional dance, and a ceremonial water blessing.

Event organiser, Tou Saramat Ruchkaew, said they are excited to bring the magic of Songkran back this year, “This is an incredible opportunity for the Darwin community to immerse themselves in Thai culture right at their doorstep and create unforgettable memories.”

Adding to the festivities, the inaugural Night to Remember dining experience will take place at the Hilton Darwin on Thursday, 24 April. This exclusive event will transport guests to the heart of Thailand with traditional Khantoke-style dining and live music from Northern Thailand.

The Thailand Grand Festival runs from 11am to 10pm on Saturday, 26 April, with entry just a $2 gold coin donation.

To find out more head to https://www.facebook.com/thailandgrandfestivalNT/